Fact Sheet

February 2014

Toxic Fesitival: The Chemical Hazards of Mardi Gras Beads Last year, HealthyStuff.org released a report that found heavy metals and flame retardants in Mardi Gras bead necklaces. One necklace that was tested had nearly 30,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead--that’s 300 times the limit set by the Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) as safe for children’s products. For this 2014 study, HealthyStuff.org purchased bead necklaces from three wholesale retailers from New Orleans. The forty-eight bead necklaces analyzed in this study included various sizes, lengths, colors and shapes – the typical bead necklaces you find at a Mardi Gras festivity.

Key Findings: This study found that more than 80 % of the beads contained at least one or more toxic chemicals, including, arsenic, hazardous flame retardants, cadmium, and lead. About 71% (34 of 48) of the beads contained lead above 100 ppm, exceeding the CPSC regulation. Nearly eighty percent of the beads contained 400 ppm of bromine, suggesting the use of halogenated flame retardants. The interior of Mardi Gras beads, which often get shattered during celebrations, contained concentrations of hazardous chemicals that were as high as the exterior coating of the beads.

The HealthyStuff.org research team asks that Mardi Gras be celebrated this year with health in mind. Here are some tips that can make this year’s festivities safer for you:

Do not allow children (or adults) to put beads in their mouths Wash your hands after using the beads Reuse beads from last year to decrease waste Ask your local representative to support more regulation on toxic chemicals People who regularly handle beads should wear gloves Get involved with action groups that support the greening of Mardi Gras

2014 Mardi Gras Bead Necklaces Summary Results HealthyStuff.org used a High Definition X-Ray Fluorescence (HDXRF)to analyze the bead necklaces. The results in the tables below are the maximum levels detected by the HDXRF for select chemicals of concern. Results are given in ppm.

HealthyStuff.org is a project of the Ecology Center, a Michigan-based, nonprofit, environmental organization that works at the local, state, and national levels for clean production, healthy communities, environmental justice, and a sustainable future. Visit www.HealthyStuff.org to learn about the toxic chemicals found in everyday products. 339 E. Liberty St., Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • phone 734·761·3186 • www.ecocenter.org